Pro No. 1: Action for Fans (kinda)
Let’s get this one out of the way. This is not a real pro in the grand scheme of things, because fans are far down the totem pole compared to player health, happiness, and league profitability. But the quick turnaround is a massive pro for fans! We just went from daily NBA games in the bubble (remember when they first started and everyone was happy for a week?) into a shortened offseason that has already produced blockbuster trades (big shoutout to the Suns and Bucks!) followed by games right before Christmas.
We’re being spoiled. But I have not covered the ‘kinda’ yet. As of right now, only 5-10 teams are expected to hold fans in the upcoming season, and even those will be at a low capacity. The Warriors have submitted a cohesive plan (that looks decent!) to try and get the NBA to allow 50 percent capacity. Frankly, I don’t think the arenas should have fans period.
The pandemic has only gotten worse. While the NFL has not had many outbreaks linked to fan attendance, several teams have begun scaling back fan attendance in response to the pandemic worsening. So most fans will not be able to attend games this season and those that do will have an experience that pales to those of previous years.